“I’m sorry, fetus? She’s... she’s pregnant?”
“Oh, I am so sorry, I thought you knew. I suppose it makes sense. She probably didn’t know either. Yes, she is only four weeks along. In surgeries like these we automatically do a pregnancy test.” A baby. She is carrying our child and she could die? They both could die.
“Sir. I’m sorry but we need an answer. We have to get her to the OR.” Forgive me.
“Save her above all else.”
“Very well.” She walks away and I am left bereft and alone. I just learned I am going to be a father but could not be one within the span of a few seconds. Did she know? Did she suspect?
“Boss.” I turn to see all of my guys and Lola standing before me, their faces letting me know they are with me, but also that they are ready for battle.
“What did they say?” Lola asks. I can tell she has been crying. Her and my love have become close. I know I should wait but I have to say it out loud to someone. I feel like that is the only way this would be real.
“She’s pregnant, guys. Those bastards tried to take her and my baby.” The more I say it, the more real it becomes and the more I wake up. I am no longer a man about to lose his soulmate. I am a father about to lose his family. Everyone pats me on the back congratulating me, but Scar is quiet. I know what he has done carries tremendous weight and I want him to know it. Walking in front of him, I put my hand on his shoulder.
“Thank you, friend. I know that wasn’t easy. He was your blood.”
“You don’t have to thank me. When I took the oath, I swore loyalty like everyone in this room. We are family. I brought my cousin here because I wanted him to learn that type of bond and honor. I should have known he was too far gone.” I won’t let him carry this.
“Scar, stop it. We recruit all the time. It could have been any of the boys we brought in. This is not on you. This is Tomasso and make no mistake, he will feel our wrath. Do we know where he is?”
“No. he has found a rock to hide under for the time being.” just like a snake.
CODE BLUE IN O.R. 10. CODE BLUE IN O.R. 10
NO!! No. Racing down the corridor, I see nurses and doctors moving frantically, words being shouted, beeping and the clanging of metal.
So, this is my punishment.
This is how my life ends.
I didn’t lie that day in the rain when I told her I don't bleed blood. I bleed her. Every second that those paddles don’t bring her heart back, my stutter like a murmur. I can feel the cold shards of glass forming in my chest. The day I brought her home I vowed I would never be able to live without her. I meant it.
“We’re losing her doctor,” I hear the nurse shout. Closing my eyes, I try to picture her last thoughts. Was she scared? Did she know I was going to come for her? Did she fight? Could she? Did she regret meeting me? Giving herself to me? I failed her. I failed her life. I won’t fail her in death.
Reaching into the back of my pants, I pull my revolver and take one last look inside of her emergency room as they continue to try to save her to avail and promise to see her on the other side. “I love you baby. I’m sorry.” pulling back the lock, I place my finger on the trigger, put it to my head and pull.
“DARIO… NO!!!
BANG! BANG!
Epilogue
Jewel
Ten Weeks Later
“I love you wife.”
“I love you husband.” I lay my head on his chest and sway with him to the music. Today is our wedding day and it has been a long road. After being basically held hostage, and shot, I died. The doctors worked hard to save me, but my heart wouldn’t restart. According to my nurse, they had just decided to call it, when they heard a gunshot and then my heart began to beat again. I didn't find out about the baby until a few days later when Dario was finally able to see me.
He walked into the room that day and I didn’t realize I was holding in treats until I was in his arms. He didn’t want to talk about anything but the baby and me. I tried asking questions over and over, but he shut me down at every turn. I understand why, but it was frustrating as hell. When I got shot, I was a different person then who I was when I woke up. This me, needs answers and not to be shielded. He told me what he thought I needed to know. It wasn’t until his mom came to see me and I heard her yelling at him outside my door for not telling her I was in the hospital until days later, that I learned what he wasn’t telling me.